For the full article please see http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0611/ArabAmerican_group_blocks_singer.html
An entry that appeared on the Politico.com web site claims that the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee-- a longtime Washington civil rights group--repeatedly asked the German-born Syrian composer and pianist Malek Jandali to reconsider his piece choice, as Jandali told POLITICO. When he refused, Jandali says he was told today that he couldn't perform at this weekend's event.
Jandali's "Watani Ana: I am my Homeland" doesn't specifically mention Syria or the broader Arab Spring uprisings, but is heavy on the themes of freedom and liberty. Jandali calls it a "humanitarian song." But lyrics include "oh my homeland, when will I see you free" and "When the land is watered with the blood of martyrs and the brave/ And all the people shout: Freedom to mankind."
"I have nothing to say on that," ADC Vice President Nabil Mohamad is quoted as saying on charges that politics were the reason. The ADC cited logistical problems in canceling Jandali's performance. "You should get the facts," said Muhamad in a brief interview with POLITICO before declining to comment further.
Here is the song/video clip in question of Malek Jandali: Watani Ana مالك جندلي: وطني أنا
An entry that appeared on the Politico.com web site claims that the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee-- a longtime Washington civil rights group--repeatedly asked the German-born Syrian composer and pianist Malek Jandali to reconsider his piece choice, as Jandali told POLITICO. When he refused, Jandali says he was told today that he couldn't perform at this weekend's event.
Jandali's "Watani Ana: I am my Homeland" doesn't specifically mention Syria or the broader Arab Spring uprisings, but is heavy on the themes of freedom and liberty. Jandali calls it a "humanitarian song." But lyrics include "oh my homeland, when will I see you free" and "When the land is watered with the blood of martyrs and the brave/ And all the people shout: Freedom to mankind."
"I have nothing to say on that," ADC Vice President Nabil Mohamad is quoted as saying on charges that politics were the reason. The ADC cited logistical problems in canceling Jandali's performance. "You should get the facts," said Muhamad in a brief interview with POLITICO before declining to comment further.
Here is the song/video clip in question of Malek Jandali: Watani Ana مالك جندلي: وطني أنا